What have you done for me ....lately??

 Hey all, let me start off by saying..I've missed blogging!!! Please note that is was not my intention to be away for 2 whole months, but the summer was here, and my son has been occupying his time on my computer....so my Dell and I are getting re-acquainted.

Sooooo, by now the kids are back to school,  moms( and dads) are able to get a few minutes to themselves once again. O.K, not the best segue for describing Birchbox..but stay with me.

I know..you're saying...." but, Lauri, don't you tell us to SAVE money?" 

YES.

BUT, here's a way to save and feel like you're splurging all at once.

Birchbox.com is a company based out of New York that offers a monthly box shipment of 5-6 deluxe sample products that get delivered right to your door, for a mere $10 a month!!!

There are a TON of these types of programs that are offered online, however Birchbox is by far the best bang for your buck, have an excellent customer service and variety of products. ( Some based on a questionnaire of your personal likes and dislikes) AND.... they even have a monthly box for MEN!!

A little gift you give to yourself every month.

How does this save you money?? If you're like me, you love trying new things, but if you end up HATING something, you're bummed about spending money on something you hated!!

Birchbox allows you to get samples of new products that have more than just a "one-time" use amount, so you can really see if it's worth a full product purchase, PLUS you get points for ordering products through their website, which enables you to eventually get free stuff!!! 

YUP, I said free stuff...and who doesn't love FREE-99????

So that's my re-entry blog for today..stay tuned more DIY and fun stuff to come!!

Smiles and deluxe samples, until next time...

Lauri :)

I have already professed my love for all things makeup and health and beauty "stuff"so be prepared, the next few blogs will be about just that....LET THE FUN BEGIN!!

I've compiled a list of 10 things I've been digging lately, some things are newer items, some are oldies but goodies, not only for me...but for ALOT of people out there.

1. The first product is a new item I received in a recent Birchbox( a monthly sample program I'll have a separate future post about) I don't like to wear alot of heavy makeup in the summer, it's hot, I'm tan..and I just don't like the feeling of alot on my face, so when i tried this..it was PERFECT!!  

"STAINIAC" from The Balm ( in color beauty queen)

 

It's the perfect color enhancer for your lips, even better than Benefit's Benetint, and while I haven't tried it on my cheeks..I LOVE the flush of color I get on my lips, it has no scent, dries in seconds and isn't flaky or sticky..try this with some blistex on top..and there's your summer lip color. 

 

2.This is also a new product for me, and believe it or not I bought this from Ebay, from a recommendation from an internet friend in England.  

 

"DERMA V 10"

 I am always searching for great anti-wrinkle face and eye creams..and this one is a keeper. Why?? It's lightweight, absorbs quickly and it's only 6 BUCKS!!!!

I will say it has  a slight old lady-I should have my hair in rollers, smell.. but thankfully that also dissipates quickly, and doesn't leave you wondering if you smell like you're eligible for a senior discount.

 

3.This next product is probably one of the more recent products that has truly changed my life ( yes, highly dramatic, but let me explain) I NEVER plucked or even gave my eyebrows a second thought until after I graduated from high school, mine were never ever bushy and well, I should have just left well enough alone..but no....I got a tweezerman and plucked and waxed them within an inch of their lives ( I was in search of the perfect Drew Barrymore skinny brow....hey, it was the early 90's)...fast forward to present day, after trying EVERY brow booster, serum, etc..my brows simply will not come back....exit Drew Barrymore, enter...Coco the clown.

"TARTE EYEBROW MOUSSE"( In color brown)

 This helps me fill in my brows, with (semi) natural results and I can make them thicker, thinner, darker, lighter etc..it comes with the brush( got this on QVC) and it glides on , stays put and call me crazy...but I think I see a hair sprouting up here or there....the jury is still out on that one.

 

4.I have had a recent mascara obsession...especially waterproof formulas that offer volume and separation that I want. BEHOLD!!! My new fave ...

"SUPER SHOCK MAX" from Avon

Confession time again.....I am a sucker for Avon mascaras..if you've never tried them, you need to...there are a bunch of different formulas, colors and brushes...and they're almost always on sale.

(..like beauty crack, so go call your dealer..uh, I mean representative...and get your fix.)

 

5.Here's an oldie but goodie..I've been using this for years and don't see a need for anything else....

"PONDS COLD CREAM"

 I use this as my makeup remover, and it takes it all off..mascara of all kinds, foundation, lipstick, even glitter....yes, glitter, don't judge me...sometimes my inner Ke$ha comes out to play.

Not only does it work to remove makeup and help condition your eye area, prevent tugging and wrinkles...some of the oldest women I've known with the most GORGEOUS skin said this was their secret weapon...and well, that's evidence enough for me.

 

6(7 and 8).This next product, is actually 3 different products that I use for the same purpose..I'm a nurse and my hands go through hell, but I love keeping up with my manicures and fun nail polishes...these products help me keep my cuticles from fraying and my hands from shriveling in one washing....

BURTS BEES LEMON BUTTER CUTICLE CREAM

Perfect size to stow away in your pocket..lemon scent and great solid to semi-solid consistency.

BOOTS OLIVE WONDERBALM

Available at Target..I've been known to have pots of this stuff stashed everywhere, the smell is unique with olive oil and sage, and a slightly greasier feel make this the perfect before bed hand remedy.

"ONE LOVE ORGANICS SKIN SAVIOR"

Another Birchbox gem, this product is a hybrid of the previous two products..slight lemon scent, semi-solid consistency..and get this..it can also double as a facial cleanser..perfect for a 2 in 1 travel product!!

9.Remember I said I'm tan?? Well, with a great tan comes great responsibility..like keeping it glistening and smooth...

HELLLLOOOOOOOOO "MOROCCAN /ARGAN DRY BODY OIL"

Light clean scent, instant dry time, silky smooth, non staining moisturizer......yup...I'll take it.

 

10. Last but not least is actually a product I DON'T like.....

I know, I know...it's ALWAYS in the magazines and it's an ICON..has it's own following, loyalty program..whatever....fact is..."ROSEBUD SALVE" ...well, smells like roses....so much so, that I could never bring myself to keep it on my lips for a nano second...and it was just too greasy for elbows, etc. I'm sure some would turn their nose up at me for not liking this..but it's my blog...and what I say goes..besides...I REALLY hate the word.."salve"..who says that??? Let alone put it on a container..ok...my rant is over.

 

May your summer be filled with smooth, "salve-free" skin...Until next time, Lauri :)

Lazy man's elbow grease....

First, let me apologize for being a bit MIA, trying to get back in a blogging groove after vacation was hard enough..but then my laptop has been kidnapped by a 6 year old, home for summer vacation, who wants nothing more than to zone out to his favorite new video game. Although I'm thankful he's occupied, I NEED to read my 200+ e-mails before my friends think I was the one lost on the island.

I also hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July, mine was wonderful spent with family and our very own fireworks display, so fun and such a wonderful time.

OK, onto the post....

One of the thorns in my side are those round pans under my stove( the official name is stove" thingies") actually I think it's "drip pans" but ok..the other day in my domestic bliss, I had a boil over...which left my pan looking like the picture above.Gross. I KNOW.

My solution?? That wonderful cousin to bleach..AMMONIA!!

Now, this is not for the faint of heart..ok it's not THAT crazy just don't breath in the fumes, or mix it with any other chemical ESPECIALLY bleach, use in a well ventilated area...blah, blah, blah.

So here's what you need: 

Approx. 1/4-1/2 cup of ammonia per pan.

1 ziploc bag large enough to cover each pan.

Place ammonia and drip pan into ziploc, and zip it up, let it sit for as long as you can stand it( I keep mine overnight, but at least an hour or two will do)

 Once it's been sitting for a while, I like to shake it a bit, play some ammonia hockey and make sure the entire pan is coated....you can see the difference between newly added and soaking a bit.

Can't you???? 

Once you're happy with your "soak time", open the ziploc AWAY from your face and in an area with some type of ventilation..or since it's nice out GO OUTSIDE!!!

Rinse with warm water and a soft cloth..and VOILA!!!

 Beautifully clean, with NO elbow grease!!!

One less thing to sweat over during your summer cleaning...

or just barbecue, and keep your stove looking great all summer long!!!

Here's to fireworks..big and small. Until next time. Lauri :)

What's really important?

        I was on vacation last week, and on the road to the town, there was a sign posted that said...       "Rotary club thought of the month", this month's thought...HUMILITY.

 I passed this sign several times on my trip last week, and had a few occasions in which to put it into practice.

The first came fairly early on during my week long vacation, when my entire wallet including my drivers license, debit card and any and all spending money I had with me was lost ( possibly stolen) my very first night!!!!!

Devastated would be putting it mildly. As you can already tell from reading this blog, I pinch pennies whenever and wherever I can, so to have all of my "fun" money gone, was a tough pill to swallow. After crying to my brother back home and feeling bad for myself for a few hours, I prayed about it and tried to find the lesson in this situation I was meant to learn, and what I realized was this...

Once again...worrying about and putting value on money is futile, it truly means NOTHING.  Don't get me wrong, it's a necessity, but placing undue value on it, is what traps people into feeling they never have enough.

Now, sometimes God sends you a message in a whisper and sometimes....he slams you into a brick wall, my experience with this theory occurred the following day at the police station, when I went to file a police report for my wallet.

Vacationing in  the carribean is amazing, but trust me..their police department and judicial system leaves ALOT to be desired. I was directed to a bench with several other people already waiting, and was given a number to get in touch with a detective to file my report, after several phone calls and approx. 40 minutes, I began to get very impatient...after all I'm from the states!!!( I mean, the nerve..LOL...don't I get preferential treatment??)

I was becoming increasingly agitated and I guess it was becoming noticeable, because shortly thereafter an officer asked each one of us what we  were waiting for...there was me, a gentleman with a warrant, a lady waiting for her boss upstairs and a lady with her daughter, who, when asked what she was there for stated" I'm the grandmother and this is the mother( pointing to her daughter who could not have been a day over 20) of the baby that died last night"

HUMBLED.

In an instant.

I realized no amount of sadness or anger I was experiencing could possibly compare to what that family would endure in the coming days, weeks, years..... I was ashamed, ashamed I had given such importance to such a trivial matter. I was on vacation and my beautiful, healthy 6 year old was asleep on my lap...what could there POSSIBLY be to complain about???

I walked out of the station with my report and a determination to enjoy my trip.

The best things in life truly are  FREE.

Later that day when we returned to our room and pool, I decided I had done my share of crying and boo-hooing and was going to take in all the beauty that surrounded me.

My son and I went down to watch the sunset on the beach that evening and I truly believe it was a spiritual experience. I watched with a full heart as my son splashed in the carribean sea looking for shells and admiring rocks, and as the sun went down we built a sandcastle..and I cried.  

Why? I couldn't really say, but I can tell you that there is truly something angelic, magical and wondrous in the laughter of a child, coupled with a beautiful sunset and crashing ocean waves, palm trees swaying, the smell of summer..well, you can see why it's sensory overload.

The next day we went to an open air market and I was again reminded that the simplest treats are truly life's treasures, my son found the older gentleman who makes sno-cones...chose the cherry flavoring and grinned from ear to ear as he not  only saw his ice being made, but had a cool treat on a hot morning that seemed to be made just for him and him alone. A simple cup of crushed ice was the day's joy. Simple abundance. Blessings all around.Humbled.

Dreaming of sandcastles and sno-cones...until next time, Lauri :)

Givin' a shout out!!!!

     Technically, this has a dual meaning, I would like to acknowledge , once again "One good thing by Jillee" for this recipe, and it is also for a homemade version of "shout" stain remover. There, now that's out of the way....let me tell you....this stuff works WONDERS!!!

     I have used it on just about any stain ..grease, blood, grass....and boy oh boy.....was I pleasantly surprised, so here it is:


                                       2/3 cup of dawn dish washing liquid ( got this one at the dollar store)
                                       2/3 cup of ammonia ( this is slowly becoming an icon, like it's cousins vinegar, and baking soda)
                                       6 Tablespoons of baking soda
                                       2 Cups WARM  water

    Mix water and baking soda first, STIR in an open container, then add dawn and ammonia.....

  I place my "batch" in a wide mouth container ( and YES, the soup was delicious, thank you)

I stir it, then funnel some into my squirt bottle to use....shake gently before each use because the baking soda will settle, but in the large container, you can stir it up to avoid lots of bubbles :)
                                ( have I mentioned how much I LOVE my label maker?) 

     I have tried putting this in a spray bottle, but the baking soda dries and clogs the nozzle, so my squirt bottle is perfect !!!!!

    Squirt some of this on your stains and wash, or have then hang out in the hamper...it's ok, it still works great!!!

                 Try it out, and let me know what you think!! Until next time, Lauri :)

D.I.Y continues...

Hopefully, by now you have tried to make your own laundry soap, or at the very least have a couple of bars "drying out" and freshening up a room or closet in the meantime. ( What???, no??? what are you waiting for???) The next logical ( and very economical ) step is to start making your own fabric softener...you heard me....and today, my friends is your LUCKY day, because it's even easier and cheaper than the soap!!!! WOOHOOO!!!! That's what I'm talkin' about!!
            Again, I have to give credit, where it's due..I found this "recipe" on www.frugalgirls.com, there are other recipes and sites to check out  such as:

                                                           "One good thing by jillee"

        Just google that name and her site will come up, I am not ashamed to say, it's my favorite blog for all sorts of great ideas, many I will steal and share with you all :)

"Frugally sustainable" 

Her blog makes me feel like I really CAN go back to living like Laura Ingalls, and actually ENJOY it too!

"The peaceful mom.com" 

Great planning and money saving ideas.

O.K, now onto the "recipe" 

 Sorry about the poor picture quality, but you get the idea.

              INGREDIENTS:

1. 6 Cups of warm water*
2. 3 cups distilled Vinegar
3. 15 oz. hair conditioner* scent of your choice

            Here's the hard part, mix all 3 ingredients together, and you're done!!!!! I put mine in a dollar store container that I've labeled , and refill my old Downy bottle as needed. I also use my Downy ball just as I would with "regular" fabric softener.


Now, here's the fine print, will it smell like vinegar? , yes a bit, but your clothes WILL NOT!! 

*I bought this bottle of conditioner from the dollar store and it's 18 oz., for me, and the consistency I like, after 15 oz. I add approx 1 extra cup of water to the mix..but the vinegar stays the same.
                    

CRAZY MATH CALCULATION!!! 

WATER=free

CONDITIONER=$1

VINEGAR=$2.38/Gallon 

Now THAT sounds like a bargain to me!!! 

                     Here's to D.I.Y-ing your way to downy soft, until next time!!! Lauri :)

Monistat..ON YOUR FACE!!!????

Now, wait a minute..it's not ENTIRELY what you're thinking. Yes, it's a "feminine" product, no, it has nothing to do with...well, you know.

                         I just recently found out this products "off label" use....as a face primer
                                                        yes, no typo.. A FACE PRIMER!!!

While I haven't tried this out myself, there is an entire you tube audience who can vouch for it's silicone primer type properties....all for around $6.00 at your local Wal-Mart....not bad, I'll have to try it out, and hey....if it sucks....at least my thighs won't be able to start a fire under my skirts this summer!!!


                                Here's to a chafe- free, perfectly primed YOU!!!!

                                                   Until next time, Lauri :)

FINALLY a make up post...and shopping CVS style...

 Once again, I offer up a combo post, a little bit of all things I enjoy, make up, spending money, saving money, coupons and bargains....ahhhh.....what a rush....so let me give you the scoop, the other day on my lunch break at work, I REALLY, REALLY tried to stay away from stores, I had brought my lunch and was determined to stay in my car and just enjoy some peace and quiet, when ALL OF A SUDDEN!!!!!......I felt my steering wheel pulling into the nearest CVS!!!!
       Now, at this point...what's a girl to do for the next half hour, but to peruse the makeup section of the store.

                  AND THAT'S WHEN I SAW THEM.......THE SALE STICKERS!!!!!

                                                               Be still my heart.

There were several items that were on "extra" sale...but I was having an incredibly magical day, and I scanned my CVS extra care card at the coupon kiosk ( sign up for one at any CVS, and join the beauty club too, it's all free)...so because I had reached a desired dollar amount from previous purchases..and earned a $5.00 beauty "coupon" that I was free to use as cash.....I KNEW that steering wheel had a sixth sense!!!



So, here's what I bought.......

....50 and 75% off!!!!! ... you can NEVER have enough eyeshadow....so I went to the register armed with my CVS bucks that have been tucked in my wallet and my new $5.00 friend, ready to still spend a bit, but not as much as a full priced shopping spree, but sadly I could only use my $5.00 coupon...why...because here's my receipt:

                                  ...with tax, I only paid .61 cents for my two items!!!! ( This was redemption for a previous weeks purchase where I FORGOT to use a coupon and had to pay $3.07, when I could have used a $3.00 coupon and only spend .07 cents...but I digress...)


So, what have we learned ??? CVS is an AWESOME place for extra savings, and coupons...but you need to utilize their extra bucks rewards, and shop the circular and look for unsolicited sales too!!!

 I honestly don't like to shop there when items are full price, but it's a great place for "stacking" coupons with sales ( make up is almost ALWAYS on sale, and that combined with CVS and manufacturer coupons, makes it a winner in my book!!)

...........OH, almost forgot...when you scan your card at the coupon kiosk??? Scan it TWICE....different coupons, more savings!!!

                                               Until next time, Lauri:)

SOAPer grate Saturday!!!

O.K, so by the time I finish writing this, it will no longer be Saturday, but hey...this is the life I lead.  This post kicks off a week of my favorite and top DIY items, beginning with the Pinterest post that started it all for me....LAUNDRY DETERGENT!!!! YAY!!! ( I know, it's the little things, some people go out..I grate soap on a Saturday night...yup, I'm livin' La Vida Loca here, people.)

      I honestly cannot tell you exactly which person's "recipe" I followed, because frankly, they're all pretty much the same, with a small tweak here or there, but the recipe I'll share with you is the easiest, most convenient for me. 

                                                      Here's what you'll need:

                                        1 bar of Fels Naptha, Zote, Ivory or soap of your choice
                                        1 Cup of Borax
                                        1 Cup of Arm and Hammer WASHING soda NOT Baking Soda

                                         ( Optional) some type of Oxi-clean product in powder form, either the real deal or the dollar store brand, 1 Cup.

     Now the fun part, grate the bar of soap( you can do this by hand like I do, or run it through a food processor) I bought a good old fashioned four sided grater at the dollar store and use the second smallest size to grate.

USEFUL TIP: open your soap package and let it "dry out " for a week or so, this will enable the soap to be firmer when grating and not clog your grater...making the whole process easier.
                                                                                                                                                           Once you've zoned out, and hopefully still have all 10 fingertips, your soap will look like this:


                                                   

The hardest part is over!!! Now just measure out the Borax and Washing soda, mix it all together, put in a container and you've made your own Laundry soap for a few dollars, here's the kicker..you only need 1-2 TABLESPOONS per load of laundry!!!

Initial start up cost for ingredients is around $7.50, then you'll have enough Borax and soda for numerous loads, so just another dollar for soap will make subsequent batches!!!

 Here's my container( multiple loads in it) that I've labeled, LOVE MY DYMO label maker :)

One last thing, if you experience some clumping( which sometimes the Borax will do) just use some silica packets and have them float around in the container...I got mine form a pair of new shoes I bought...you know, the little packets like this( see below)

...and please....DO NOT eat it, OR wash it....keep it in the container....

Happy Homemade laundry soap day!!! Happy soap grating Saturday!!!!

Until next time, Lauri :)

Milk, two sugars.....

 Many years ago, I found a book by David Bach called "The automatic millionaire" , now this was way before a Kindle was ever even a thought, and standing in the middle of the bookstore with a book that could possibly get me rich..I was sold. I bought the book and for years afterward, it is a book I continue to read over, and attempt to implement all of the sound financial ideas David compiled.
  Something he spent alot of time and energy on was what he calls "The latte factor" , and basically what it is, is this- in order to cut frivolous spending and see where you can tighten up your budget he suggests skipping your morning cup ( or throughout the day CUPS) of coffee(latte), for a homemade, pot, brewed-yourself, reusable travel mug cup, potentially saving hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars every year.

                             QUICK IN YOUR FACE MATH CALCULATION!!!

                         A large cup of coffee, bought at your local 7-11 costs a smidge more than $2, if you buy ONE a day for 5 days(on your way to work) that's $10 a week, $40 a month OR $480 a year, of course..if you choose a "specialty" cup of joe, well....you can do your own math for that!!!!


                                                      $480 a year ON COFFEE!!!!


Now, think about that HUGE can or bag of coffee you can get at a warehouse store????  I know my brand costs $9.59... and I make it EVERY DAY , sometimes several times a day..and it lasts a month or more ( one trick to that is not wasting any, I never make a full pot unless I have company and know it won't be wasted)

                           ANOTHER QUICK IN YOUR FACE MATH CALCULATION!!!!

               $10 a month x12 months=$120....O.K, O.K... we'll throw in the price for a fancy, schmancy reusable travel mug too.....$140..MAX!!! BIG DIFFERENCE, right????

                                 What could you use an extra $340 for, every year???

Yes, yes..what does this have to do with my blog, you say....why, it's the prefect segue for me to give you my recipes for DIY coffee creamers, cheap, affordable alternatives to add to your morning pick me up, big pay off and it couldn't be easier...read on....

                                                          Basic coffee creamer

                                                14oz. of the milk of your choice
                                            14oz.( 1 can) of sweetened condensed milk

That's all there is to it!!! Now, the fun part...... Mix in your favorite extracts and/or flavorings to spice things up!

                                              1 tbls. vanilla extract (french vanilla)
                              1tbls. coconut extract and 1/2tbl. almond extract ( Almond Joy)
                                               1tbls. almond extract( amaretto)
                      Cinnamon and/or cocoa powder to taste( cinnamon, chocolate flavor)
or, for the very daring try cinnamon, nutmeg and a touch of chili powder for a Mexican flair


Whatever flavor you enjoy..try it out!!! Go for it and have fun, and sit back, relax, enjoy your cup of coffee.... and think about all the things you can do with your new found savings!!!

                                                                  Until next time, Lauri :)

....and the livin's easy...

I have to admit....my head is spinning with the stories and ideas I have planned for this blog, so much so, that I was really having a hard time deciding WHAT to post today!
   Some of my dilemma has to do with my mildly OCD personality, the part of me that wants to give you money saving ideas and ALL of the ways to help you do that, all at once ( alas, this makes for a pretty crappy blog, if it's all a BLOB), the other half is my throw caution to the wind side, and wants to show you some new beauty products etc, but again...I need separate posts for all of those things too.
    So, I sat down and wrote a list( yes, I'm old school..I use a pen and <gasp> paper) and found a happy medium,  money saving, and incorporates some principles that I use to score some of my frivolous makeup and beauty expenses too.


                                                 Simple Easy ways to cut household expenses

• D.I.Y whenever you can, for as much as you can-Once again, the internet is an amazing source and wealth of information, especially when it comes to DIY and saving money( seems everybody's doing it) I have recently had the pleasure of joining Pinterest, and thankfully there's a category of DIY/crafts..for me, it may just be the perfect place to dwell, so many fun things, ideas and sites all in one place, just be sure to "pin it" when you see it so you don't miss a thing. Some items I have been making myself ( and LOVING) are homemade laundry soap, fabric softener, laundry pre-treater, body wash, body scrub..and my latest...flavored coffee creamers and fresh baked bread. Not only are these easy and in my opinion fun to make, but the savings is truly remarkable...I'll be doing individual posts about each DIY item I've listed..so stay tuned :)

• Ditch the disposable for the reusable-This is a step , that like many other changes in one's life, may take a bit of time to transition to...some people choose to do this as a means of "going green" , my sole purpose for doing this was to " save on green"...disposable razors and paper towels are just two money sucking items that can be replaced for more cost efficient items.

• Thrift shop-Again, I don't expect all ideas to be for everyone, but this is one that can REALLY be a money saver. Now..I'll be honest.. I've been writing about how to save money, but there are things I will not give up, or skimp on..( I WILL keep my cell phone and cable T.V.) but as far as my wardrobe..well, I'm not a fashionista, so thrifting works for me..I just bought my entire summer capri wardrobe, and t-shirts for around $30, YUP ALL of it, however, here's my restriction to this rule....my son gets new, new toys, new clothes and new shoes( I get new shoes too, but not as frequently as a 6 year old), this is also a fantastic way to un-clutter and purge all of those items in your closet that you really don't know what to do with, thrift stores LOVE donations.

• Circular shop and store hop-Weekly circulars to local grocery stores are your weekly meal plan, use sale items as well as items in season to plan your family's weekly meals, or to supplement previously purchased items. Store hopping is also a way to shop sales and save money, but only if it proves beneficial to your gas tank and budget, I happen to be lucky to live near an area that has multiple stores within a 1-2 mile strip, so the idea of stopping at 3,4 or even 5 different stores is not such a far fetched notion for me, but for someone say, in Alaska that may have a 2 hour drive to the nearest store, not a viable option, understood. Hey, I can't make it all happen!!!

• Coupon, but not to the extreme-I LOVE a deal, bargain..and I LOVE me some coupons..I can't lie, BUT I will never understand the need for 86 bottles of yellow mustard or 103 bottles of hot sauce.I coupon and save money and every once in a while, I can get a REALLY GOOD deal( there will be more posts on couponing and some of my sweeter deals another time) I also "stack" coupons whenever I can..meaning, if I buy something at Target I use a regular manufacturer's coupon in conjunction with a target or target printable coupon, and save even more, not always possible, but worth it when you can make it happen

.

• Make a list, pay cash when possible- I know, I know, in a swipe and go world..WHY would you carry cash???? The answer is simple, when you VISUALLY see what leaves your hands, you rethink some impulse buys, which is why a list is important too..not just for food but for all shopping, when you have an agenda, it's easier to stick to, saving you not only money..but your own TIME too, which as we all know..you simply can't put a price on....

O.K., you budget bandits, you sultans of savings....I'm off to make my list, and check it twice...until next time!!   Lauri :)

Simple Abundance...

   What do you do at 3 a.m when insomnia has become your friend?? I suppose I could clean without the distraction of a 6 year old, or maybe tackle the mountain of clean laundry that's been waiting for my attention to fold it, but nah..I'd much rather blog!
    Years ago, thanks to Oprah's infinite wisdom, I was turned onto a book by Sarah Ban Breathnach called "Simple Abundance" ...many of you have heard of it , or even read it, if you haven't I suggest you buy it, and while I am a person who loves my Kindle, this is a book I suggest you get in "book" form, and I'll tell you why.
      Not only does this book have a daily reading notation( a daily devotional, if you will) It also gives you a monthly summary of sorts at the end of every month/chapter...of things and ways to create and find simple abundance in your life, hence the book form, making it easier to flip through and mark, refer to etc.This book is the inspiration for this particular blog, hope you enjoy!

                                            5 Things that are absolutely FREE

• Get back to nature- Take a walk, either with your earbuds and your favorite tunes, or without any of today's electronic distractions, and simply "enjoy the silence". Spend time in the dirt( and no I don't mean making mud pies) well, I guess you can if you want, who am I to stop you?? No need to spend money on planting anything..just pull some weeds, some therapists recommend gardening as a way to get back to nature and reconnect with yourself, and ease a troubled mind, and when all those pesky weeds are gone, the sense of accomplishment is wonderful!!
• Get freebies sent to your inbox-There are tons of free things being given away on the internet, just google "free stuff" and you'll see, but one fun idea comes from All You magazine, sign up on their website www.allyou.com ( you don't need a subscription) and you can sign up to get a daily free sample e-mail daily, just click the link...and your done!!! Who doesn't love getting some good old fashioned mail?? and if it's free?? even better!
• Rekindle your love affair with reading-The wording for this title was intentional, I Love my kindle, I love to read, so the more I can fit into a small tablet shaped object the better, however I have to admit I sometimes despise having to pay for something I want to read, so an easy way to fill that bad boy is by signing up for free downloads!!! There's a site called www.ereadernewstoday.com you can sign up and friend them on facebook, and everyday several times a day they list a bunch of free books, ranging from childrens books, to cookbooks..choose them all, or none, who cares!! It's FREE!! ( You can also go to amazon and type in free kindle books, classics and many others are your for the taking). If you don't own a kindle, but still want something free...read on .....

• Utilize your local library-I personally feel, the library has gotten a bit lost in our lives today, with everything available at our fingertips...the dewey decimal system is near extinction!!! However, I also think people don't realize what an amazing resource their local library can be, you can get books, cd's, dvd's, do research, learn a new hobby, and even have a little bit of a social life most library's have free movie nights, or discounted trips to theatres or to the city that anyone can take advantage of...it can also be another form of therapy, take the kids and let them explore the childrens section and all it has to offer, or go when the kids are in school and sit and peruse through all the many magazines that are free for you to look at , and for a nominal fee, photocopy anything that you truly cannot live without!!! If you have a library card..dust it off, if you don't..GO GET ONE!!! It's FREE.
• Go "Virtual" virtual shopping-I've been doing this for years...and while I do like to shop online, my wallet often times won't allow me..so how do I get my fix?? Well, years ago I realized I love the shopping "high" so here's what I do..go to any website i may be drooling over at the moment...and SHOP...I mean go nuts...if it's clothes, buy whole outfits, with shoes and accessories, if it's electronics..buy the best souped up, pimped out surround sound home theatre you can imagine....go to the checkout....this is important( can you feel the excitement??) LOOK at the total cost of everything you want....then..THEN....when it asks for your personal info!!!......."X" out of the site...and POOF!!! you've just shopped to your hearts content AND didn't spend a penny doing it, believe it or not, the sense of fulfillment you get from not draining your wallet, is almost as good as the shopping"high".

            WHEW!!!! This was a lot longer than I expected, but I still can't sleep...ughhh, well..I guess I'm off to buy those gorgeous Christian Loboutins I've had my eye on........till next time, Lauri :)

When life gives you lemons.....

Sometimes, life isn't fair....that's just life, that's part of the overall experience, so what do you do when you've felt the wrath??? You change your perspective, and make it better. Eckart Tolle once said, " Take on every situation as if you've chosen it" putting yourself in this mindset, IMMEDIATELY changes any given situation.  So, one way to make things all better, is to pamper yourself, take a step back, a deep breath and prepare for what's ahead....so here's an easy way to do just that..

                                                    Lemon Sugar body scrub

Ingredients you'll need:

1. Approx. 1/3 cup of Olive oil
2. Approx. 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
3. juice of one lemon

some lemon zest( optional)


 That's it!!! 3 ingredients to transform the mundane into the magical!!!! Mix all of these together, store in an airtight jar and Voila!!!! You can use this anywhere on your body that needs a little extra pick me up!!!
  As always, I say measurements are approximate, because the beauty of DIY things is customizing it to your liking, you can make it thicker or thinner, if you like, or switch the sugar for Kosher salt( just beware of any small cuts, OUCH!) Just remember, to take a minute for yourself, everyday..even if it's only your morning shower........Now you're ready to take on the world. Go get 'em!!!!
                                                                                             :) Lauri

A few of my favorite things...

So one of my favorite things to do and places to go, is my local dollar store, I originally wanted the domain name of "Dollar store Diva" but it was taken( I sure hope whoever has it is doing it justice).

Depending on where you live, there are several types of dollar stores to choose from. There's the "Dollar tree" and "Family Dollar" or "Dollar General", plus countless other mom and pop stores along the way, but BEWARE..not all dollar stores are created equal! Dollar tree, truly does charge a single buck for all their wares, while Family dollar, although gracious enough to take manufacturer coupons, also seems to have forgotten the word dollar ( singular ) in their name.I, for one refuse to pay more than than one Sacagawea for any one item.O.K, down from my soap box.....

So, I know, you're thinking.. what's the dollar store have that Wal-Mart doesn't???( yes, we go REAL classy here) ..let's see...

• You can plan an awesome party from the dollar store (especially Luaus!!!!)
• You can decorate your home from the dollar store ( lots of crafty things to be had for 100 pennies)
• You can EAT at the dollar store ( and it's not all teeth rotting grabage)
• You can become a beauty( or drag) queen at the dollar store
• You can gift wrap for cheap, and make it look like a million bucks!
• Oh, the possibiloities are endless..many I hope to share with you....

So...from the swinging dashboard Hula girl, and I... I leave you with a little ditty I thought up today, it's sung to the tune of..." A few of my favorite things"....
                                       Cups shaped like palm trees and cheap fake eyelashes,
                                        Spray for the bathroom and bags for the trashes,
                                         Pink plastic tullips all lined up for spring......
                               These are a few of my favorite things.........
                                                           See you next time!!!!   

....And.... They're off!!!

O.K, so this is it..my first "Blog" post...although I consider myself electronically challenged and a mental midget with all this tech stuff, I'm giving it a go. Why?? Because I want a place to put all my flight of ideas and quirky nonsense, you know, the stuff that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but seems pretty darn important to me.So, what I plan on doing on this blog, well, that remains to be seen...some days I'm sure I'll have a fun idea or story( my whole life is a bunch of ridiculous stories) and some days it may ne nothing more than my new fave lipstick, cookie or T.V show. I'm sure some posts will sound crazy...but hey, I never claimed to be sane.